Camera and editing: Michelle Hennessy/TheJournal.ie

JOAN BURTON HAS said she would be in favour of legalising cannabis for medical use and pain relief but would have “a serious doubt” about going any further than that.

The Labour leadership contender was speaking in a wide-ranging interview with TheJournal.ie where she responded to several readers’ questions including one about her position on cannabis legalisation.

Last week we asked her rival Alex White whether he would be in favour of legalisation of the drug – an area he has responsibility for. White said that Ireland “should maintain an open mind towards international developments”.

Burton stated clearly yesterday: “So for medical use and pain relief I am completely in favour.”

We also asked the Social Protection Minister if she has ever smoked cannabis. Watch the above video for her full answer.

Later today on TheJournal.ie: More from our interview with Joan Burton where she answers your questions on austerity, Sinn Féin, and who she thinks will win the World Cup. 

Minister: I keep an eye on cannabis legalisation in other countries (And yes, I’ve tried it)

Read: Alex White says he smoked cannabis in college, but what about this Labour minister?

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